‘Other Mommy’ Review: Jessica Chastain’s Acting Personas Collide in Freaky Dreamcore Horror
Hypnotic and demented, director Rob Savage's surreal adaptation of Josh Malerman's 2024 novel twists its Oscar-winning lead into a monstrous intensity that's baffling to behold.
Rob Savage's latest film, "Other Mommy," offers a deeply unsettling exploration of a child's fear about the perceived wrongness within her family. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Ursula, a working mother, and her stay-at-home husband Russell, played by Jay Duplass. Their daughter Bela, portrayed by Arabella Olivia Clark, turns to a supernatural entity known as Other Mommy for comfort when her actual mother is absent.
Other Mommy, which resembles Ursula, is a terrifying shapeshifter that preys on Bela's vulnerability. Jessica Chastain delivers a truly terrifying performance as the demonic Other Mommy, embodying the worst aspects of a manipulative and exploitative caregiver. While the film's early scenes are intensely unnerving, the story's progression towards a hopeful resolution undermines its impact.
Despite its initial promise, "Other Mommy" ultimately falls short of its potential due to a convoluted narrative and an unsatisfying climax. However, Jessica Chastain's chilling portrayal of Other Mommy remains a standout element of the film.
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